Spring in Houston, Texas, brings sunny skies, blooming flowers, and warm weather. However, this beautiful time of year also comes with a downside that can cause problems for both you and your loved one: seasonal allergies. As a leading name for in-home caregivers in Houston, Texas, IPR Healthcare understands that no one wants their loved one to suffer from allergies, so we’ve listed some tips to help your loved one breathe easy this spring:
- Avoid Antihistamines
Antihistamines, while effective in reducing allergy symptoms, can cause side effects that could be potentially dangerous for seniors. Common side effects include confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness, which can easily lead to a fall for your loved one. Additionally, antihistamines may interact negatively with other prescriptions your loved one may take. Speak with a licensed medical professional, such as one of IPR Healthcare’s trained in-home nurses, to determine which alternative allergy treatment will work best for your loved one.
- Limit Your Time Outdoors
While enjoying the sunshine with your loved one can be a great bonding activity, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors if you begin to notice allergy symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean you must avoid going outside completely. Check the pollen count for the week to see when pollen levels will be the lowest, and consider providing your senior with an allergy mask to help your loved one avoid breathing in spores while outside.
- Change the Air Filter in Your Loved One’s Home
A clean, high-quality air filter is one of the best methods to prevent allergens from entering your loved one’s home. The filter will trap and collect any allergen-inducing particles brought in through the AC unit. For the best results, change the filter in your loved one’s home every month.
- Keep a Change of Clothes on Hand
Keep a change of clothes for both you and your loved one handy. If you have been outdoors in any high-pollen areas, the pollen spores will stick to the clothes you and your loved one were wearing and can aggravate allergy symptoms. When coming indoors, change into a clean pair of clothes and immediately put the old clothing in the washer so the pollen does not spread to other areas of your loved one’s home.
These easy tips can help you and your loved one enjoy this beautiful time of year without the hassle of watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. If your loved one suffers from severe seasonal allergies, IPR Healthcare can help with our professional at-home nursing services in Houston, Texas. Give us a call at (713) 592-6776.
